The 2010 Spring Conference was held at the Whitman Educational Center in Grand Junction, Colorado.  CSP Investigator Tyler Tobias opened the conference with a presentation on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.  Tobias is a 15-year vetran with CSP, and since his inception in investigations, has worked outlaw motorcycle gangs including rallies, runs, special events, and swap meets.  Tobias is a member of the International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association, and teaches OMG awareness to law enforcement officers throughout Colorado and the surrounding states.

Grand Junction P.D. Detective, Ricky Valdez, shared his expertise on Street Gangs.  While working for Lakewood Police Department, Valdez worked special assignments including the Lakewood Gang Unit, Denver Metro Gang Unit, and Vice and Intelligence.  He worked undercover for gang operationhs (particularly Hispanic gangs), and for prostitution stings (Escort Services, Massage Parlors, and Street Walkers).  While at the Metro Gang Task Force, Valdez learned the nuts and bolts of RICCO and COCCA cases.   He transferred to GJPD in 2006, where he is currently assigned to the Investigation Division as a Detective for the Vice and Intelligence Unit.

WCPOA wants to especially thank Inv. Tanya Brechlin, Det. Clint Newton, and Det. Jason Sawyer of the Western Colorado Drug Task Force.  These instructors came in on short notice and provided an excellent presentation on the Legal Issues of Marijuana.  They shared the laws and regulations, including some of the unintended consequences that are currently being addressed with added legislation.IRS Special Agent Richard Ptak and GJPD Det. Ricky Valdez concluded the conference with an in-depth case review on the Fuji Oriental Massage investigation.

The WCPOA Executive Board thanks past president, CSP Major Barry Bratt, for his dedication to the organization and for hosting an excellent conference.